The state’s youth engage in work culture and self-reliance over the traditional pursuit of government jobs
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A new wave of entrepreneurship is sweeping through Assam, as the state’s youth increasingly embrace work culture and self-reliance over the traditional pursuit of government jobs. Among these inspiring stories is that of Pappu Ali, a young entrepreneur from Pakwa village in the Nalbari district, who has become a beacon of hope for the unemployed through his small-scale sandal manufacturing business.
Pappu Ali, who struggled for years with job interviews and even went abroad in search of employment, decided to take a different path. “For many years I have struggled with various job interviews and even went abroad for a job. Later I felt that I would grow old and not be able to do anything in life. So, I decided to do something on a small scale at home, which I could survive on,” media reports quoted Ali as saying.
He founded a slipper factory named ‘Puna,’ which produces 600 to 700 sandals a day. By sourcing materials like rubber and shoe straps from nearby Amin village and ordering a slipper-making machine from Ahmedabad, Ali has managed to not only sustain himself but also provide employment to four or five other youths in his village.
Addressing the unemployed in Assam, Ali urged them to take the initiative rather than wait for opportunities to come their way. “Sitting and waiting for a job is not enough. Those who are looking for a job can do something on their own while continuing their job search. It’s time to become self-reliant,” Ali said. “I’ve seen a lot of people get lazy. So, if you start working on your own, you can benefit a lot.”
Ali’s business has grown to the point where he now supplies various sandal designs to districts like Guwahati, Barpeta, Buxa, and Nalbari at wholesale prices. His dedication and hard work have made him a role model for many in his community. Looking ahead, Ali hopes to expand his entrepreneurial ventures by developing industries focused on disposable food products and other essential commodities.
Ali’s success is part of a larger trend in Assam, where many young people are turning to entrepreneurship to carve out their paths. Another notable example is Mehboob Ali from Nalbari district, who has become self-sufficient in the bamboo industry, creating bamboo scooters and luxury items. Similarly, Habib-ur-Rehman from Durang district leads an organisation called Suj Mukhi Agro Producers Pvt. Ltd., which helps farmers export their products abroad.
